Lamb Stew With Couscous

Submitted by mermaidmagic

"This is one of my favorite dishes that my husband makes. Please don't omit the raisins ... they add a soft sweetness that is really terrific. Instead of ladling the lamb over the couscous in the end, my husband will sometimes combine it all in a baking dish and cook for 10 minutes or so in a 350 oven. Either way, this is one of my favorite Sunday dinners. I hope you try this ... and enjoy!"

 

• Ready In: 2hrs 50mins
• Ingredients: 19
• Serves: 4

ingredients

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 lbs boneless lamb, cut into 2 inch pieces
• 1 large onion, coursely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1⁄2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1⁄4 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1⁄4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1⁄4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 cup chopped canned tomato
• salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 cups chicken stock
• 1⁄2 cup raisins, soaked in
• 1⁄2 cup boiling water, for 20 minutes
• 1 (15 ounce) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• butter (for the couscous)
• 1 (10 ounce) box quick cooking couscous, prepared according to package directions
• 1⁄4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped

directions

1. In a large flameproof casserole, heat 1 tablespoon (eyeball) of the oil.
2. Add the lamb in batches and toss over high heat to brown it on all sides.
3. Remove the lamb from the pan as it is browned.
4. Wipe out the pan.
5. Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon (eyeball) of oil.
6. Add the onion and cook over medium heat for 10 minutes, stirring often.
7. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute.
8. Stir in the cinnamon, cumin, allspice, cayenne pepper and nutmeg.
9. Cook for 30 seconds, stirring.
10. Add the tomatoes and cook for 2 minutes.
11. Add plenty of salt and pepper, to taste.
12. Add the stock and return the meat to the pan.
13. Bring to a boil, lower the heat, and cover the pan.
14. Simmer the lamb for 1 hour.
15. Stir in the raisins and their soaking liquid.
16. Stir in the chickpeas.
17. Cover the pan and cook for 30 minutes, or until the lamb is very tender.
18. Add the parsley and cilantro to the lamb and taste for seasonings.
19. Serve at once, ladled over the couscous.

Reviews

[fluffernutter]

This was superb. We think cinnamon with meat is ick, so we left it out, and we wanted a one-dish meal so we added a minced zucchini with the onion. Just the right spice -- enhancing the meat without overpowering it. The leftovers are even better.